Becoming an entrepreneur starts with an idea — most often one that solves a problem many people face. In Livermore, locals are bursting onto the scene with clever products and inventive brick-and-mortars that, overall, benefit the community — or at least offer something different.

“Being a mom of a teething baby was exhausting, overwhelming and heartbreaking,” shared Rachel Fisher, 30, a sentiment many moms can understand. To give her and her baby some relief, Rachel took to designing a line of chewable jewelry (made from silicone) to soothe her son, Austin’s, aching gums.

“I didn’t invent the teething necklace but I created a brand that moms can trust to be on-trend and in style,” Rachel said of her company she started — Chewable Charm — with husband Blake Fisher, 30.

In addition to serving a very specific purpose — offering a safe, convenient and stylish teething option — it filled her desire to create.

“I really … like really, enjoy the craft of designing and making something beautiful in my home and sending it out to other moms and babies to wear and enjoy,” she said.

So what sets Chewable Charm apart? Rachel makes the pieces with her own style in mind, a mix of neutrals and whites and grays. “I felt like there had to be other moms out there who would much rather wear a teething necklace that complemented their style without overpowering their outfits.”

Another key point is what the necklaces are made of. “Our beads are 100 percent FDA-approved, high-quality, food-grade silicone (similar to a chewy pacifier silicone). They are BPA-, PVC-, latex-, phthalate- and lead-free,” Rachel said.

While success started local with a supportive mom group and Pleasanton shop PrimPop picking up her design; today the brand is available in more than 50 stores across the U.S. However, the company is making an effort to maintain its local presence.

Chewable Charm (inventory is available at ChewableCharm.com) recently expanded to include wooden teething toys made locally in Livermore and they set up a booth at May’s Livermore Wine Country Downtown Street Fest. “We plan to attend next year too,” she said.

“Our main goal is growth. With the support we have had so far we are hoping it continues to be easy.”

Another husband-wife duo — Jerome and Daniell Fahnhorst — opened Livermore Barber Shop on June 1. They specialize in men’s (and boy’s) grooming. Their second business together — they also own Tru Beauty Longue — Jerome, 34, says the risk factor is part of what took him from his job with UPS to owning his own barber shop. However, his wife Daniell, 31, provided the initial inspiration.

“Me personally, I was like a Cost Cutters or Super Cuts guy before I got married,” he shared. As a gift, she purchased a more luxurious haircut and shave. Jerome was immediately turned on to the idea.

“It was something that Livermore was lacking,” he said. “I just kind of gambled and went for it.” So far, the gamble is paying off. “It’s been booming,” he said of business.

The use of straight razors — for a clean, close shave — and hot towels in a lounge setting set it apart.